Described is a catalytic process for converting sugars to furan derivatives (e.g. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, dimethylfuran, etc.) using a biphasic reactor containing a reactive aqueous phase and an organic extracting phase. The process provides a cost-effective route for producing di-substituted furan derivatives. The furan derivatives are useful as value-added intermediates to produce polymers, as precursors to diesel fuel, and as fuel additives.